Dumont Aviation expands to CIRA

BLOOMINGTON — An aviation company that specializes in the maintenance and management of corporate aircraft will expand to the Central Illinois Regional Airport.

Kevin Wargo of New Castle, Del., a director with Dumont Aviation, said the firm plans to hire about 20 people in the coming year, with up to 70 people within the next few years.

"We are expanding across the country and believe Bloomington would be a good fit for us," Wargo told The Pantagraph.

The firm already has clients in Chicago and Indianapolis.

"Bloomington would be a central location for us and we can better serve those customers as well as add more clients in Illinois," Wargo said.

CIRA spokeswoman Fran Strebing said company leaders met with the airport board last week to finalize plans.

"We feel it's another positive addition to the airport and their plan is to grow and add jobs," Strebing said.

The company was founded in 2013 with the purchase of Elcorta and MX Jet Services. It has grown from two employees to more than 80, according to the company's website.

"We are very excited about locating in Bloomington and growing our company there," he said.

The company provides management, charter management and maintenance support for small airlines or private pilots who need assistance with maintenance, insurance or aircraft management.

"We have a number of different services we offer and we are in the process of bringing them all under one umbrella as we expand at the same time," Wargo said. "It's exciting to be a part of a company with such a bright future and our new connection with Bloomington is a positive step in that direction."

The company recently advertised for a full-time administrative assistant at the Bloomington location.